Hermione fidgeted, smoothing down her black dress anxiously, and twisting a stray mahogany curl about her finger absently. She regarded herself in the mirror. Several Hogwarts meals had done a little good in filling out her skeletal figure, but the terrors of the night killed her appetite in the morning, and her breakfasts were almost non-existent. Harry had chided her the day before when she'd only taken a banana; and she dreaded what he'd say if he found out that this morning, she'd skipped breakfast all together, unable to eat at all.
Today was another funeral.
Harry, Ron and Ginny had said they'd come to meet her in Gryffindor tower, and it was in the common room she stalked; waiting for them to come and collect her, then actively force her to face the day.
She didn't want too. She really didn't want too.
She bit her lip as the portrait swung open, and Ron clambered in first, his red hair somehow even brighter against his black robes. Harry followed, turning to help Ginny with a peculiar expression on her face. Hermione thought back to Ginny's worries about the pair when they'd gone shopping, and reluctantly agreed that there may have been something too it.
"'Mione," Ron greeted, an overly cheerful grin on his face considering the day, and flung his arms about her. She cringed inwardly at the nickname, whilst wrapping her arms about in him in a hug she hoped he'd translate as friendly. He squeezed, making Hermione wince in pain as her bruises and burns were pinched, Ron seemingly oblivious to his own wounds in the process.
"Hermione," Harry said behind Ron, we best get going, Andromeda should be arriving soon." She nodded, relieved, releasing Ron who didn't do the same.
"Ron," Ginny scolded, throwing a poisonous look at her brother as Hermione gave her a thankful one in return. He dropped his arms, and Hermione smiled weakly at him as she made to follow Ginny out the portrait hole. She gave Harry a warm smile as she passed him, and slipped her arm into Ginny's.
The walk down went slowly, Harry's face becoming grim as they descended the floors of Hogwarts, stepping over the broken walls as had become habit.
"You hear Malfoy's mother got off lightly?" Ron said, attempting to make conversation as they trudged along.
"I hardly call being under a trace for two years lightly Ron," Ginny replied, her brows furrowed.
"Should've gone to Azkaban. She's a Malfoy; she's as bad as her husband and her ferret of a son." Ron retorted, his blue eyes beginning to glitter dangerously.
"How come she didn't?" Hermione asked, turning to Harry and Ginny for answers as she sensed Ron's fury beginning to ignite.
"Turns out, her not having the Dark Mark helped; quite a bit, and all the memory evidence all showed she wasn't exactly a willing player. It was more, she couldn't help a lot of what was going on around her; but her lying to Voldemort is the real kicker. She may have believed in all the blood purity crap, but her willingness to lie to Voldemort kept her out of Azkaban, and under a trace." Harry told her, his face twisted with conflict. "Just seems odd, you can believe in all the blood purity stuff…I can't get my head around it." He admitted, as Ginny threw him a proud look. A silence managed to fall over the four of them as they reached the third floor. Spying house-elves polishing trophies they smiled, and Hermione's lips thinned.
"They're not actually burying Tonks and Lupin here are they?" Ginny asked, attempting to distract Hermione from one of her infamous house-elf rights speeches.
"No," Hermione answered, unaware that Ginny's ploy had worked, "Andromeda asked McGonagall if she could scatter some of their ashes here in a sort of ceremony; so that people got their chance to say goodbye." Ginny nodded, looking forward as they reached the last staircase before the entrance hall.
:: :: ::
They'd gathered by the hourglasses, the great timers filled with precious gems were broken; the floor had become a glittering sea of stones. In the middle of the entrance hall stood the Weasley family, Andromeda, with Teddy bundled into her arms, and McGonagall. They stood, sombre and silent as the sunlight from the outside warmed them slowly. For funerals chilled Hermione to the core.
"I really ought to do something about this," Minerva said, gesturing to the expensive mess about them. She glanced at her watch briefly, as Andromeda began to feel increasingly awkward beside them all. "Oh I'll do it now; we're still waiting for Shacklebolt anyway." She turned, and began an elaborate incantation with a graceful arc of her wand that Hermione watched fascinated, Ron began to inch closer to her as Teddy let out a gurgle. Streams of rubies began to gather about the Gryffindor timer, the glass sealed together with a slight lavender glow as the rubies began to tumble in. Flitwick arrived down the stairs, his own attire as dark as the night sky, and upon seeing Minerva in the midst of her ritual, hurried down the stairs faster; his wand appearing in his hand.
"Good job Minerva," he praised, standing beside her and falling into the same ritual as his colleague. Soon enough, the sapphires of Ravenclaw began to trickle into the hourglass as it repaired itself, the glow simmering over its surface. A moment later Minerva seemed to jerk out of her reverie, her wand slipping back into her pocket as she admired her houses point keeper with pride, she turned to see Flitwick in her pose moments before. She smiled warmly joined the group once more as Shacklebolt entered; apologies all over his face.
"Didn't mean to keep you waiting, but the Ministry…" he trailed off, an apologetic shrug given as Arthur waved it off.
"Don't be ridiculous Kingsley, I know how it must be," Arthur said sympathetically, as Kingsley gave him a brotherly slap on the back.
"Would be harder if I didn't have you there to make things go easier." Arthur flushed, a proud expression coming over him as Flitwick finished. McGonagall clapped her hands together, surveying the group as she opened her mouth to speak Andromeda stepped forward suddenly.
"Wait- I err…" she faltered, her courage slipping as McGonagall eyed her curiously.
"I assure you all is as you wished 'Dromeda," Minerva said kindly, moving to shoo them out the door again, as Andromeda's resolve built up again.
"No, not yet; we're still waiting for two people…" She said her voice stable although her face betrayed it.
"Who?" Molly asked, holding Arthur back from the sun outside. Andromeda sighed, her eyes closing as if bracing herself.
"Narcissa and Draco Malfoy." She said, holding Teddy closer to her for comfort. The silence that followed her announcement became painful; the sound of Teddy's snuffles the only relief from the crushing surprise.
"The Malfoy's." Arthur deadpanned, clapping his hands together and giving them a quick rub. "Right-o" he finished, striding out the doors and towards Hagrid's before Molly could stop him. Bill, Fleur and their infant daughter followed, gesturing for Charlie, George and Percy to do the same. Shacklebolt chuckled to himself, shaking his head, but the laughter didn't reach his eyes as Filius and Minerva left swiftly.
"I ought to remind you that Narcissa Malfoy may have escaped Azkaban, but it wasn't by much. Her son's trial is soon; he faces charges worse than your sister." Shacklebolt warned, and Andromeda nodded, her eyes saddened.
"I understand, but you know that neither of them can use magic at the moment, they need to be here."
"Why?" Molly asked, stepping forwards, her eyes wide and confused, the faintest glimmer of the famous temper simmering on the surface of her skin.
"You should understand this best Molly," Andromeda pleaded, rocking Teddy gently; "they're the only blood relatives he has left besides me. He needs to meet them at least once. I need my sister…my family." She sighed, looking as though she was restraining herself, "Teddy will need more family than just an adopted one. He only has me. Goodness knows I won't be fun to be around when I really start to get old. He just needs a memory or two of people he is related to by blood. I would like to see if Narcissa and I can put our differences behind us and actually…possibly, be sisters again." She pondered aloud as Molly melted her lower lip wobbling.
"I can't promise I'll be civil, but…I'll try. I best tell the others to be on their best behaviour today." She sighed in defeat, scurrying out the doors and into the sun. Hermione followed; her thoughts on the arching body of Bellatrix Lestrange, killed by Molly Weasley. Nothing had been said about her death, as though it was unspoken agreement that the best had happened.
The path was bathed in sunlight, the steps needing some attention as the grass fought to reclaim them to natures grasp. She slipped, her arms shooting out to each side of her to steady herself, but a firm; unfamiliar grasp had already shot out to grab her.
"Steady there Granger," Malfoy purred, his hand tight about her wrist. He smirked at her, his winter eyes sparkling with mischief. His skin was softer than Hermione had expected, with callouses where one would normally hold a wand; she assumed they were also where someone would grip a broom. She realised that he was holding her up with one arm, his other hand tucked into the pocket of his suit as though she were an unruly toddler. She blushed, unaware of his apparent strength, he smiled slightly as he noted the pale rose flush she began to sport. He pulled her to her feet, gently, almost gentlemanly as Ron let out a furious snarl from behind them. Hermione sighed, throwing Malfoy an appreciative glance, and opening her mouth to speak as Ron's arm came hammering onto her wrist.
"Let go of her you filth." Ron spat, his face puce and contorted with rage. His grip on her broke immediately, and Hermione gasped with pain as Ron's fist collided with her wrist. Malfoy's eyes glittered with mirth and the faintest hint of irritation as he regarded Ron, Hermione's furious hissing amusing him further as she cradled her wrist.
"That hurt Ronald." She interjected, not bothering to disguise the pain that had seeped into her tone. Malfoy had begun regarding his own wrist with a disinterested expression, but at the sound of Hermione's pained voice, his eyes checked her over; as if searching for a visible wound.
"I can't wait for you to go to Azkaban and die there. I hope you get the kiss." Ron was continuing, ignoring Hermione's chastising. "You're a complete piss taker. Calling her a mudblood, taking the Dark Mark then just coming here like nothing is wrong." Ron had moved closer to Malfoy, who had tucked both his hands into his pockets. He was looking Ron in the eye, his snow gaze set on Ron's blustering ocean blue. His face was still holding the disinterested expression, the unconcerned features seeming to fuel the fires of Ron's rage. Ron continued to close the gap between them both, hissing and spitting insults like an enraged cat, his fists clenched. Hermione studied Draco curiously; usually he would have started laughing, thrown a hex, or a punch; and insult at the very least. Then she saw it. The lone glimmer of weariness that sparkled in his eyes. He was tired of this. Hermione thought back to the last time she'd really experienced Malfoy's viciousness. It wasn't obvious anymore, she couldn't remember a clear time in sixth year, and the seventh hadn't really counted. Had he matured during the war? It had most definitely taken its toll on everybody she had seen, but the effects it had had on her childhood bully began to fascinate her. Stray thoughts of if he had just changed techniques mingled with anger at Ron's behaviour.
He was just gearing up for a punch as Harry's voice interrupted.
"Ron, come on mate, not today." He said, clapping his hands down hard on his friend's shoulders. Ginny's conflicted expression hovering at his shoulder. Ron's fist froze, and he growled at Malfoy again. Malfoy took his cue, and nodded briefly to Hermione as she nodded back in thanks, before sauntering off down the path towards Hagrid's hut like absolutely nothing had happened, his platinum locks becoming gold in the sun.
"What was that about Hermione?" Ginny asked her, slipping her arm though her friends kindly, as Harry's hand encircled her other.
"I slipped, was probably going to take a tumble down to Hagrid's but Malfoy…Malfoy caught me…then Ron decided it would be a good time to smack us both as Malfoy was putting me on my feet again." She finished a thoughtful, irritated tone lacing together as her eyes became glued to the tall blond Slytherin further on down the path.
"At least he's not trying to start a fight," Harry said gruffly as Ron fumed beside him, "But I guess, considering his trial is tomorrow, he wants to make the best impression." Harry continued, considering as he looked towards the boy he'd rebuffed so many years ago.
"If Malfoy is here though, that must mean…"
"So is Narcissa." Hermione finished off Ginny's musing aloud as Hagrid's hut came into view, to the left of his home, people had gathered, the Weasley's bright red hair marking them out as they stood opposing a lone, blonde figure. Narcissa was obviously alone, the other attendees keeping their distance, out of spite or the lack of knowing what to do, Hermione watched as her son strode up to her. The four of them joined the split group waiting by Hagrid's home, and Hermione stood in the middle of the Malfoy's and Weasley's, pretending not to notice the split. McGonagall gave her a small smile for her actions, and the reward was enough to keep her there as Harry remained with her. Ron going to stand next to Percy, while Ginny kept her hand in Harry's, seemingly more interested with what was going on to take sides. They stood like that, unspeaking, waiting as footsteps and feminine voices on the path could be heard. Narcissa's pale head snapped around to watch her sister walk tentatively down the steps, Molly gripping her arm and guiding her. Hermione flushed, wondering if this was because they'd seen her slip. Teddy's fingers could be seen waving to no one in particular from his bundle in Andromeda's arms, and Malfoy's eyebrows rose with a slight interest. Eventually, the three reached them at the path's end, their eyes scanning over the group with interest.
Andromeda's eyes met Narcissa's.
Upon seeing her sister fully, Narcissa paled ever so slightly, her pale blue eyes beginning to glisten with tears.
"Here, Harry, take Teddy." Andromeda said, passing over the infant to a mortified Harry. Ginny laughed at him, and began to make sure Teddy's head was supported whilst Harry shifted his arms. Andromeda's gaze was still on Narcissa's however, and she walked over to her, her hands outstretched in a tentative welcome.
"Narcissa," she began, as Narcissa took hold of her hand and pulled her away from the group. Draco walked forward as his mother left him, standing next to Hermione and peering at the child in Harry's arms. The Weasley's stiffened as Hermione threw him a side-long glance, looking at him with a masked expression of curiosity. Ginny flat out stared, as Harry looked at Draco with an unreadable expression.
"So that's my cousin," Draco spoke eventually, after a long painfully quiet pause, leaning back so he was stood up straight next to Hermione. His presence reminded her of his touch earlier, and she fought against the rising blush that wanted to appear for a reason she couldn't quite fathom. A smirk developed once more on Draco's face, and she wondered why, not able to think of a reason for him to be smirking besides making the Weasley's uncomfortable, but that wasn't it. There had to be more.
She looked over to the Weasley family, most of them watching Draco with a wary expression save Ron, who was looking between Draco and Hermione with a murderous scowl. The penny dropped, and Hermione bit back a sigh. He was antagonising Ron. Draco seemed to deliberately shift his weight on his feet so he was marginally closer to Hermione, pretending not to realise it, as the voice of his Mother carried over to them all.
"I was so thankful when I got the invite 'Dromeda, after everything…when Mama blasted you off the family tree. Oh I missed you so much, I didn't mean for us to not talk; but you know how it is…" Narcissa sobbed, the gathered group trying their best to pretend they couldn't hear as the wind blew around them. The breeze wafted an earthy, somehow fresh scent over her, and she breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass. She looked up to see Draco doing the same, his chest rising as he inhaled. She blushed again, and a low grumble from Ron made her look up, as Malfoy replaced his smirk.
"I've lost everything 'Dromeda, everything. My home…the Dark Lord blew it to pieces, my husband; gone. My friends…I can't bare to lose my son. Not my Draco." Narcissa continued, and Draco shifted his weight again, attempting to disguise his welling discomfort as him casually rearranging his clothing. It was something that stirred a memory in Hermione, the image of him fiddling with his shirts cuff as he left the courtroom coming to mind. "For everything I've done and believed in, losing my freedom to use magic is penance enough, but to take my son from me too..." her voice had quietened, its painful desperation ringing through the air. The group shared awkward looks as Draco decided to paint on a disinterested expression again, his sharp pointed features making him look dangerous. Andromeda could be heard comforting her sister quietly, their hands entwined in a tentative hold.
"If it's genuine, your wish to…become…friends; then I'll do everything in my power to do what is right by you and your grandson. I've lost too much to do otherwise." Narcissa's voice had become steely towards the end, her inner strength returning. From the corner of her eye she could see Narcissa's back straighten, the classic Malfoy regal posture returning; she seemed to be bracing herself for Andromeda to start laughing at her.
"It's genuine Cissy, for me and for Teddy." Andromeda replied, wiping a stray tear from her sister's porcelain face. The tree's rustled, almost with approval, and Narcissa dabbed at her face with a long pale finger. Andromeda smiled, her face creasing with affection as she watched her sister carefully pat her immaculate blonde hair back into place, her floor length black robes being given a quick check before she deemed herself ready.
"Shall we?" Narcissa asked, raising her arm for Andromeda to take, and turning on her heel to walk back to the group. Seeing this, the Weasley family began to look at each other, pretending they'd been doing anything other than eaves drop, whilst Draco took a step slightly closer to Hermione; looking past her to view his young cousin once more.
Hermione's senses almost gave in completely as she realised that the earthy, fresh cut grass smell she'd experienced earlier had come from Draco. A blush blossomed instantly, giving her gaunt features a fresh flush of life. Teddy cooed and Hermione took the chance to hide her face, mirroring Draco, she looked forward, sticking her tongue out at the child; her hair falling over her cheeks. She could hear his low, quiet chuckle beside her, and the blush deepened as a familiar friendly voice joined them all.
"Yer all 'ere arr yeh?" Hagrid asked, Fang dribbling by his side, and his beetle like eyes sparkling with this affection.
"We are, yes," Minerva replied, stepping forward as if to follow Hagrid, taking her cue, the Weasley's imitated, and Hagrid looked mildly surprised.
"Good good, expected a wait, right then, follow me!" He said, turning on his heel and walking back the way he came. The group shuffled after him in an awkward silence, it seemed conversation topics were hard to come by with the two Malfoy's with them. Malfoy had fallen back from Hermione, and was bringing up the rear of the group with his mother and Andromeda; their quiet stroll through the grounds was oddly pleasant. The silence awkward to others, but as the grass kicked about their ankles and the sun warmed her through, Hermione began to relax. Ron was flicking looks at her over his shoulder. His curiously tormented, furious and jealous expressions didn't bother Hermione, and she found herself mildly surprised that she found comfort in the fact Malfoy was no doubt dying from laughter at Ron's behaviour beneath his calm and cool exterior.
Her thoughts were on Malfoy again. She couldn't figure out what he'd done to work his way into her mind in the way he had since the wars end. She'd found herself thinking about him more than usual, or than she ever had before, he'd attacked her – but that was comfortingly Malfoy. That was just who he was. The conversation they'd shared that day was what had affected her; her announcing he must clearly have no friends. Arthur Weasley's shocked announcement at his home before his son's funeral of the Malfoy trial had re-enforced her belief she was right. Now she seemed to be observing him for any more clues that he may be hiding underneath his mask. Truth was, in between reading up every waking moment she had that was free on how to fix the school; Malfoy was the other thing that kept her mind entertained.
It was funny, how that had come to be.
The wind rustled her curls about her head, and she tucked the loose strands behind her ears, happy to reveal her blush free cheeks again. The air was becoming cooler, and she realised Hagrid had lead them mid-way between the lake and his hut. A square enclosure had been built, just next to the tree line, and young trees had been planted at the back, where the forest yearned to encroach upon the schools grounds. Rose bushes had been planted about the other fences, framing what looked to be a young garden in progress. Another square in the middle was filled with budding flowers, their first blooms of vibrant colour just peeking through the green leaves. A sign was up over the split in the fence, its arch declaring that it was a memorial garden for all who had fallen in the war fought at Hogwarts, and a lump began to form in Hermione's throat.
They walked in, gathering around the square of flowers, the attitude of the group suddenly sombre and mournful.
"Hagrid, in a few years this will be stunning," Minerva praised him gently, looking about at the little markers on the ground, signifying where a statue or a bench would be. There were a few places were a tree was marked, and more for flower beds. Hagrid nodded his head, abashed but pleased as Shacklebolt stepped forward, meaning to preside.
The service began. No loud bangs from a cannon. No light shows from fireworks. No patronuses. Shacklebolt's rich tones spoke of love and sacrifice. Harry spoke of family. Andromeda gave her thanks.
In the rich summer sun, she looked towards the gentle breeze, allowing it to mess her greying hair. She closed her eyes, pulling out a small pouch from the insides of her robes. The group remained quiet, respectfully watching the abandoned matriarch in her grief. Andromeda pulled the strings of the pouch open, and took a pinch of the ashes. She threw it high into the air, watching the wind whip it up, as tears streamed down her face.
"My husband," she said, taking another pinch and throwing it in the breeze.
"My daughter," she continued, throwing the final pinch into the air, she watched the final wave of ashes scatter before speaking again.
"My son-in-law." She finished, hanging her head as her tears splashed down her cheeks, onto her robes, and soaked into the soil below. Narcissa stared in horror at her sister after hearing her goodbye, her pale cheeks ever so slightly tinged with red. Hermione wondered if it were shame at having sobbed about all she'd lost earlier, only to hear her sister admit her family were dead; a baby her only survivor. Harry had passed Teddy over to Ginny, who had since handed him over to her Mother. Harry's wand was out, and with a feeling of pride, Hermione knew what was coming next.
"Thanks Lupin," Harry spoke quietly, his silver stag walking forwards, standing on the flowers proudly. The Malfoy's were out right staring; attempting to keep their emotions wrapped under the aristocratic stances and failing. Harry left, walking away towards Hogwarts, his arm dragged across his face; Hermione knew he was wiping away tears. Ginny left next, with the rest of the Weasley's, Ron included, as the staff of Hogwart's made to follow. Shacklebolt threw the Malfoy's a warning glance, before taking his own leave. Andromeda, with Teddy back in her arms left with Narcissa, the pair struggling to find words but somehow comfortable; and before she knew it, she was left alone with Draco.
He looked at her, and bowed his blond head, almost respectfully.
"See you tomorrow Granger," he said, and left, his elegant stride watched by Hermione as the wind tussled her.